Fast-Track Your Path To VC Partner.
Harness Advanced VC Techniques for Superior Dealmaking Skills.
The VC Career Accelerator is an intense 8-week online mentoring program designed for investment professionals who recently joined a Venture Capital firm. With a deep focus on every aspect of the VC job, the VC Career Accelerator equips you with superior skills to evaluate, negotiate, and monitor investment opportunities in successful startups.
🚀 Exclusive workshops to delve into sophisticated VC frameworks
🎯 Real-life case studies to master key concepts
✨ Practice exercises using our custom-built templates
📳 Dedicated hotline to ask your questions at any time
📺 Tailored learning modules to build foundations at your own pace
… and much more!
The VC Career Accelerator is designed to help professionals who recently joined a VC firm, at any level, to excel on the job.
The Instructor – Aram Attar
I’m a veteran investment professional with 20 years of experience and a solid track record. I realized over 45 transactions and analyzed hundreds more. I’m passionate about teaching and have always enjoyed recruiting and training the next generation of professionals at the firms I worked at (McKinsey, GE Capital, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and Quilvest Private Equity, among others).
I believe my biggest asset is the variety of experiences I had in transaction finance (including Venture Capital), in terms of:
- Roles: Worked both as an investment professional in two firms and as an independent private advisor to family offices and “Super Angels.”
- Segments: Covered all the financing steps in companies’ growth trajectories, from the initial stage (Venture Capital) to take-off (Growth Equity), maturity (LBO), and exit (M&A).
- Perspectives: Worked both “buy-side” (as an Investor) and “sell-side” (as a fundraiser).
- Cultures: Lived and worked across various countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
Lastly, I bring the best of academic research to supplement my experience, through my roles as the adjunct professor of Venture Capital at HEC Paris, my Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at Toulouse Business School, and an ongoing Master’s in Psychology at the Harvard Extension School.
> Read more about my experience in the About section.
They Accelerated Their VC Career
I trained dozens of VC professionals across a multitude of VC firms, everywhere in the world, from analyst to partner. The VC Career Accelerator helped them grasp the intricacies of their roles faster, for maximum impact.
Participants are mostly experienced executives who join a VC firm in a senior position, and need to learn the trade fast; and entry-level professionals with less than 3 years of direct VC experience.
A Practice-First, Blended Learning Approach
We use a blended learning format, with a mix of live sessions via Zoom and self-learning on our state-of-the-art e-learning platform, to help you achieve your objectives. Every week, we dive deep into the following areas of the VC job.
Click on each tab below to view details.
Content: Explicit selection criteria, Key evaluation frameworks, Implicit investment criteria, Pitch deck screening.
Keywords: Deal flow screening, investment thesis, market analysis, team assessment, product/market fit, the idea maze, beachhead strategy, network effects, scalability, moving the needle, cognitive biases, entrepreneurship drivers.
Content: Deploying capital, VC returns, VC power law, Portfolio valuation.
Keywords: LP/GP model, investment period, vintage risk, management fees, carried interest, IRR and MOIC, reserves, recycling management fees.
Content: Startup financials, Unit economics, Optimal funding amount, Valuation.
Keywords: Cash burn, cash flow modeling, sensitivity analyses, growth vs. profits, uses of funds, funding structure, Venture Capital method, equity ownership method.
Content: SAFEs & Convertible debt, Liquidation preference, Employee Stock Ownership (ADVANCED).
Keywords: Cap vs. discount, non-participating vs. participating, preference stack, ESOPs, RSUs, management packages, vesting, good and bad leaver.
Content: Questions VC asks, Why due diligence fails, Evaluating Founders.
Keywords: Exploratory and confirmatory due diligence, blind spots, FOMO, confirmation bias.
Content: Winning IC memos, Optimal voting rules, Bridge Financing, Intuition vs. Data.
Keywords: Risk mitigants, unanimity vs. majority vs. no-vote, power plays, vested interest, cognitive biases.
Content: Term sheet structure, Founders’ obligations clauses, Governance clauses, Liquidity clauses.
Keywords: Non-economic terms, exclusivity, veto rights, tag along, drag along, exit rights.
Content: What Boards Do, Best Practices, VC Value Add.
Keywords: Board of directors, fiduciary duties, Board pack, agenda & routines, adding value.
The VC Career Accelerator is the only Venture Capital program built around the case study method used by the best institutions worldwide, allowing participants to accelerate their grasp of the VC job. It’s been called “Venture Capital’s MBA“.
Join A Unique Program For Active VC Professionals
The VC Career Accelerator is unique in targeting active VC professionals who joined a VC firm recently. We work with VC firms to tailor the program’s content to their needs and typically enroll 3 to 5 participants from the firm, across all teams, for an improved learning experience.
Since I launched The VC Factory in 2018, my angle has been to offer a personalized mentoring experience, adapted to specific needs.
I’ve recruited and trained dozens of VC and PE professionals since 2006. I know what you need on the job, and I will prepare you adequately to perform in any position (even partner).
Aram is a fantastic mentor, always willing to help no matter what. The wide variety of content was fantastic, and allows you to go deep into the rabbit hole of VC knowledge. A fantastic program.
Pedro – Investor (Brazil)
I also share best practices from elite VCs, as well as my own experience and academic research, on how to avoid the common pitfalls of Venture Capital investing. In most cases, the cause of subpar performance is within ourselves. Our cognitive biases explain many of the causes of failure as a Venture Capitalist.
Ready To Invest In Your VC Career?
We offer three straightforward options to answer your needs, depending on your setting and objectives:
VC
Fellows
By Invitation
Adapted for entry-level VC professionals from underrepresented regions.
Features:
✓ Pop-up Q&A sessions (30′)
✓ 4x Online Modules
✓ 1x Practice session
✓Direct hotline
✓ Templates & Tools
✓ Complimentary Access to The Club (1 month)
VC
Firm
$1,950
Designed for VC firms enrolling several team members. Discounts apply beyond 3 enrollees.
Features:
✓ 8x Group Sessions (90′)
✓ 4x Online Modules
✓4x Practice sessions
✓Direct hotline
✓Templates & Tools
✓ Complimentary Access to The Club (3 months)
VC
Pro
$2,450
Perfect for individual VC professionals seeking maximum impact in a short period.
Features:
✓ 8x Individual Sessions (45′)
✓ 4x Online Modules
✓ 1x Practice session
✓Direct hotline
✓ Templates & Tools
✓ Complimentary Access to The Club (3 months)
Prices shown in USD. View the FAQ section for more details.
Fill in the form below to apply for this exciting program!
VC Firms can enroll several of their team members at once. Select the “VC Firm” category below and specify how many professionals you want to include. You’ll receive a link to book a slot and discuss your needs. We also offer customized training to better suit your objectives.
Individual applicants who pass the first round are invited for a second-round Zoom conference (30 minutes) with me, so we meet each other, discuss your objectives, review how the program works, and answer your questions. If we are both satisfied with our discussion, you’ll get a link to pay your tuition fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What topics does the VC Career Accelerator cover? Are there any specific areas of focus?
The VC Career Accelerator covers the entire Venture Capital cycle, from generating deal flow to negotiating exits. Refer to the session content section above for more details.
How long is the program, and when should I join?
The program includes 8 sessions, typically delivered weekly over 8 weeks. However, the schedule is flexible and can be adapted to participants’ availability. Participants can start at their convenience, with a mutually agreed calendar.
The fellowship lasts 3 months, with 3 pop-up Q&A sessions per month. Sessions are announced 10-15 days in advance and offered multiple times to accommodate different time zones. The flexible format ensures sessions align with both Fellows’ schedules and my availability.
What is the expected time commitment per week?
Participants should allocate two to three hours per week to prepare for each session. This preparation includes reviewing materials, working on case studies, completing assignments, and deepening engagement with the course content.
What is the format of the program? Are the sessions live or pre-recorded? How are the live sessions structured?
The program combines two modes: (i) self-paced learning through our e-learning platform and (ii) interactive live sessions conducted via Zoom.
Participants prepare each live session through our e-learning platform, with each section organized as follows: 3 webinars to dive into the session’s topic, one reflection unit to ensure the most important points are understood, one case study, and one practice unit.
Each live session lasts between 45 minutes (VC Pro plan) to 1.5 hours (VC Firm plan) and focuses on discussing key topics, sharing insights, and going through case studies and assignments.
Are there any hands-on or practical learning experiences, such as evaluating real-life investment opportunities or working on case studies?
Yes. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning experiences through our Practice sessions.
Participants engage in real-life startup pitch deck evaluations and utilize our proprietary Startup Analysis Grid. Additional resources, including PowerPoint templates and Excel models, are provided for practice.
How accessible is the instructor for questions and guidance?
I am available via WhatsApp and email for quick questions during working hours. Additional mentoring sessions can be booked for more in-depth discussions.
Are there any technical requirements or prerequisites for joining the program?
No specific technical prerequisites are required. Participants without prior VC experience may need extra study time, but the program accommodates a range of experience levels.
What is the cost of the program, and are there any available payment plans or discounts?
The cost of the VC Career Accelerator varies based on the selected plan (see options above).
For VC firms enrolling multiple team members, we offer a 30% discount for every participant after the third one (included).
The tuition fee for the VC Fellowship starts at a base of US $500 and is adapted regionally to reflect purchasing power. This ensures accessibility while maintaining a necessary level of commitment. Our experience shows that participants who make a material investment are more likely to fully engage and benefit from the program.
The VC Factory operates as a non-profit, reinvesting tuition fees to fund ongoing research in Venture Capital. This ensures that our programs remain impactful and accessible, particularly for participants from underrepresented regions and groups. Payment plans and additional considerations for genuine financial constraints are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
What happens if I miss a live session or can’t attend for several weeks?
We offer flexibility for participants. If commitments lead to missing a live session, arrangements can be made to reschedule at a suitable time. However, this flexibility is limited to ensure that all participants can maintain proper progression through the program. We encourage timely communication and planning to minimize disruptions and ensure that everyone can fully benefit from the course content and structure.
Is there a refund policy or satisfaction guarantee in case the program doesn’t meet my expectations?
Given the immediate access to a wealth of resources upon enrolling, a standard refund policy is challenging. However, flexible options like The Club and the Self-Learning plan (see above) are available for those uncertain about committing to the full program.
Is there a certification provided upon completion of the program?
Certification is provided to those who meet the program’s completion criteria: Submitting all assignments on time and completing all quizzes in the online modules with an average pass rate of 80%.
How long is the access to the online modules valid for?
Participants have access to the online modules for six months following their enrollment in the program. However, this duration is subject to change, so we encourage prospective participants to inquire about the current access period before joining.
What happens after completing the program?
After completing the program, participants can join The Club for ongoing professional development and networking opportunities.